What Parents Need to Know After a Crash Involving a Teen Driver

The Legal, Medical, and Financial Consequences of Teen Driver Crashes in the U.S.

Teen driving crashes remain one of the most devastating yet preventable public safety issues in the United States. Although teens make up a small percentage of drivers on the road, they are involved in a disproportionate number of fatal and serious accidents. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teenagers, and thousands more suffer catastrophic injuries every year.

In 2020 alone, nearly 2,800 teens between the ages of 13 and 19 lost their lives in car crashes, while an estimated 227,000 were injured. These crashes aren’t just statistics—they represent shattered families, lifelong medical care, and legal consequences that ripple through communities. Teen drivers face increased risks due to inexperience, distractions, nighttime driving, impaired judgment, and peer influence.

As a national personal injury law firm, we regularly speak to families whose lives have been upended by teen driving crashes. These cases raise complex questions about responsibility, recovery, and long-term care. Understanding the most common causes of teen driver crashes is essential, especially for those seeking legal accountability and compensation after a serious collision.

Teen Crash Statistics: The Scope of the Crisis

Teen drivers, especially those between 16 and 19 years old, are nearly three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash compared to drivers aged 20 and older. This elevated crash risk isn’t just about age, it’s about a combination of inexperience, risk-taking behavior, and environmental factors.

Some critical numbers include:

• 2,800 teen deaths in crashes in 2020
• Over 227,000 injuries in teen-related crashes that same year
• Motor vehicle crashes caused more than $40 billion in medical costs and lost lives

These figures reveal that the cost of teen driving crashes is measured in more than just statistics, it represents lost futures and lifetime burdens for victims and their families.

High-Risk Groups Among Teen Drivers

While all teens face increased risk behind the wheel, certain factors heighten the danger even more. Among the most vulnerable groups:

Male Teen Drivers

Male drivers aged 16–19 have a fatal crash rate three times higher than females in the same age group. Boys are more likely to engage in aggressive or high-risk behaviors such as speeding and street racing.

Teens Driving With Other Teen Passengers

Crash risk increases significantly when teen drivers are accompanied by peers. Each additional teen or young adult passenger raises the likelihood of a crash. Distraction, pressure to perform risky maneuvers, or reduced focus can all contribute.

Newly Licensed Drivers

The first few months after licensure are the most dangerous. Sixteen-year-olds have a crash rate per mile that’s 1.5 times higher than 18–19-year-old drivers. Inexperience plays a major role, and new drivers are often unsure of how to react in sudden or dangerous situations.

Key Risk Factors Behind Teen Crashes

• Inexperience and Poor Judgment:  Young drivers often fail to recognize dangerous road conditions or react properly. Misjudging speeds, underestimating stopping distances, or failing to check blind spots are common mistakes that can result in serious collisions.
• Nighttime and Weekend Driving:  Driving after dark is especially dangerous for teen drivers. Between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., crash fatality rates for teens spike dramatically. Nearly half of all fatal teen crashes happen during weekend evenings when visibility is reduced and distractions increase.
• Seat Belt Non-Use:  More than half of teen drivers and passengers killed in crashes were not wearing seat belts at the time of impact. Even in the front seat, teens are less likely than adults to buckle up, especially when riding with friends.
• Distracted Driving:  Texting, using apps, adjusting music, or talking with passengers all impair a teen’s ability to drive safely. In 2019, nearly 40% of high school drivers admitted to texting or emailing while driving within the previous month. Distraction remains one of the leading contributors to teen driving accidents.
• Speeding:  Speed plays a deadly role in teen driver crashes. 35% of male teen drivers in fatal crashes were speeding at the time, along with 18% of female teens. Speeding combined with short following distances increases the risk of rear-end or multi-car crashes.
• Alcohol and Drug Use:  Despite being under the legal drinking age, many teen drivers operate vehicles after consuming alcohol or drugs. Data from 2020 shows that 29% of teen drivers killed in crashes had been drinking, and 17% had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more. Drug impairment, especially from marijuana, also significantly affects coordination and judgment.

Legal Implications of Teen Driver Accidents

When a teen causes a serious crash, questions quickly arise about legal responsibility. In many cases, the teen’s parents or guardians can be held liable under negligent supervision or vicarious liability laws, depending on the circumstances and state statutes.

Families of injured victims may have legal claims against:

• The teen driver
• The owner of the vehicle (often a parent)
• Any individual or entity that contributed to the crash, such as a bar that served underage alcohol

Personal injury lawsuits can help injured parties recover damages for:

• Medical expenses
• Long-term care needs
• Lost income or earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Property damage

If the crash resulted in death, a wrongful death lawsuit may be filed to seek compensation for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and more.

What to Do After a Crash Involving a Teen Driver

If your loved one was injured or killed in a crash involving a teen driver, take the following steps:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Care
2. Even if injuries appear minor, always seek medical attention to rule out internal trauma or delayed symptoms.
3. Document the Scene
4. Photographs, witness statements, and police reports are crucial for building a strong legal case.
5. Do Not Sign Anything Without Legal Counsel
6. Insurance companies may try to settle quickly. Before accepting any payment or signing any release forms, consult with a personal injury lawyer.
7. Preserve Evidence
8. Save any relevant documents, such as medical bills, pay stubs, or text records, that demonstrate losses or confirm the events leading to the crash.

FAQs About Teen Driver Crashes and Legal Claims

1. What makes teen drivers more dangerous on the road?  Teen drivers face higher crash risks due to inexperience, poor hazard recognition, distractions, peer pressure, and a higher likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors like speeding or impaired driving. Their lack of judgment and slower reaction times increase the chance of severe accidents.
2. Can parents be held responsible for their teen’s car crash?  Yes, in many states, parents may be legally responsible for damages if they allowed their teen to drive the vehicle, particularly if they knew of risky behavior or failed to supervise their teen’s use of the car.
3. What should I do if I was hit by a teen driver?  Seek immediate medical care, call law enforcement to file a report, and document everything. Do not communicate with the driver’s insurance company until you speak with an attorney, especially if you were seriously injured.
4. Is it possible to sue if my child was a passenger in a teen-driven car that crashed?  Yes. If the driver was at fault—whether due to distraction, impairment, or inexperience—you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim on behalf of your child. If the crash caused death, a wrongful death suit may be appropriate.
5. How do I prove the teen was at fault in the crash?  Police reports, witness testimony, camera footage, mobile phone records, and accident reconstruction can help establish liability. Your legal team can gather and analyze this evidence to support your claim.
6. Can a teen be sued even if they’re under 18?  Yes. While the teen may not be financially liable, their insurance or their parents may be responsible. If the case involves gross negligence, legal action can still move forward, and settlements can be paid through insurance or family assets.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For A Free Case Review

If you or a loved one was seriously injured or killed in a crash involving a teen driver, you may be entitled to significant compensation. These cases require experienced legal support to uncover the facts and hold all responsible parties accountable.

Call Parker Waichman LLP today at 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our national personal injury attorneys have the resources to help families pursue justice and recover damages for medical costs, lost wages, and emotional suffering. Regardless of your location or where your injury occurred, our nationwide product injury law firm is ready to assist you. Don’t wait—your legal rights and financial recovery may depend on early action.